USA v Belgium tactical analysis: what’s Pochettino’s plan with Balogun available?
The Guardian • • sports
Key Points:
- FIFA rescinded Folarin Balogun’s red-card suspension, allowing the United States to field their top scorer against Belgium in the World Cup last 16, disrupting Belgium’s preparations.
- Belgium, despite winning Group G, have struggled to capitalize on possession and have defensive vulnerabilities, especially on the flanks, which teams like Senegal have exploited.
- The US, with Balogun back, gain a versatile striker who can hold up play and create space for teammates, enhancing their attacking options on the flanks and in the final third.
- Belgium’s defense relies heavily on possession to limit opponents’ opportunities, but their passive center-backs and limited forward pressing could be exploited by the US’s wide attacks.
- The unexpected return of Balogun is a significant boost for US coach Mauricio Pochettino, who can now prepare with his key goalscorer for what could be the most important match of his international career.
